ISEQ up slightly, Eircom slides 16%

The ISEQ index closed up 5.1 points at 6888.95 today as good performances from the financials were offset by a slump at Eircom.

The telecoms firm lost 36c (15.6%) to close at €1.94 following the Swiss government’s announcement today that it would block any acquisitions by Swisscom, in which it is the majority shareholder.

Allied Irish Bank was up 24c (1.3%) at €18.06, while Irish Life and Permanent closed up 21c (1.3%) at €15.40.

Bank of Ireland closed up 14c (1.1%) at €13.19. The bank today announced increases across its fixed-mortgage rates.

Anglo Irish Bank was up 2c at €11.50.

Irish Continental fell 10c (1%) to €9.80. Today, the Taoiseach added his condemnation to the many voices critical of Irish Ferries’ tactics in trying to implement its controversial outsourcing plan.

CRH closed up 9c at €22.63.